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With more than 8,000 members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership is one of the largest metropolitan chambers of commerce in the country. Learn about our work to advance economic development and improve the business climate in our city, region and state.

Every Monday - News from GCP

GCP recommends support for the Port of Cleveland and Tri-C,
opposes questionable drug pricing measure

Vote YES on Issue 59, Port of Cleveland

The renewal of the Port of Cleveland’s operating levy will cost a homeowner a mere $3.50 annually for every $100,000 of home value, making it one of the smallest tax levies in Cuyahoga County.

GCP member companies actively support commerce generated through the Port and utilize its services. Levy funds support maintenance of lakefront docks, the Cuyahoga River navigation channel, and other maritime activities. Specific projects related support by levy funds include the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve and the Irish Town Bend stabilization efforts (an initiative GCP supported in the 2015 state capital bill).

GCP supports a capital bond issue that would annually cost $17.50 for every $100,000 of home value; the funding will support new Tri-C facilities and upgrades across all campuses.

Tri-C was recently ranked number one in Ohio and in the top twenty nationally among two-year institutions in awarding associate degrees across all disciplines. And, a skilled workforce and talent attraction strategy are key drivers of GCP’s work. Investing in facilities, technologies, and the education of our youth – particularly in high-demand industries – is not an aspiration in today’s economy, it is a necessity. Among other critical projects, Tri-C’s plan will aid the school and the region in building a 15,000-square foot addition to the Advanced Technology Training Center for manufacturing and engineering programs.

GCP opposes a statewide ballot proposal that would change how the state of Ohio purchases prescription drugs.

The proposed initiated statute, Issue 2, would attempt to prohibit the state from purchasing a prescription drug unless the net cost of the drug is equal to or less than the lowest price paid for the drug by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely the proposal could be implemented or be able to achieve its purpose. Issue 2 is vague and lacks certain definitions, meaning it is questionable how differing entities and state agencies would choose to implement it. GCP and more than 60 other organizations – ranging from medical groups to veteran groups – are concerned the proposal will lead to cost shifting and drive up prices for employers, their employees, and even increase the cost for veterans.

CDA provides financing to bring apartments to the United Bank Building

Cleveland Development Advisors (CDA), an affiliate of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, closed on a $2.65 million loan to add apartment units to a significant Ohio City corner. MRN Ltd., the Maron family’s development company, will convert two floors of office space in the United Bank Building at the corner of W 25th and Lorain to 25 apartment units.
Ohio City continues to see strong demand for market rate apartments. The new studio and one-bedroom units will be available in early 2019.

In October – cybersecurity awareness month – state legislation (SB 220) was introduced to incentivize data protection and provide a legal safe harbor to businesses that implement a specified cybersecurity program. The bill sponsors and Ohio’s Attorney General (AG) publicly unveiled and discussed the intent of the legislation at a Statehouse press conference on Friday. The Greater Cleveland Partnership was represented at the event and formally extended our members’ support for the initiative.

The use of technology to conduct business efficiently is practically unavoidable. Unfortunately, the technology we use daily is vulnerable and can be hacked. The consequences can be devastating for a business of any size and in any industry.

The purpose of SB 220 is to create an affirmative defense to a cause of action sounding in tort related to data breach and it would apply to all businesses that include and comply with certain cybersecurity programs. The bill, also known as the Data Protection Act, is not a mandate and it would not create a minimum cybersecurity standard; it would encourage more businesses to properly protect their business ventures, their workforce, and those they do business with.

“Passage of this common-sense legislation is a worthy goal and the Greater Cleveland Partnership is pleased to support it,” said Sante Ghetti, Vice President of Government Advocacy for the Greater Cleveland Partnership. “The GCP looks forward to playing a role in the process by educating stakeholders on the importance of this initiative.”

GCP members have increasingly identified cybersecurity as an immerging issue. Over the course of last several months the GCP has had encouraging dialogue, resulting in the introduction of this legislation and ultimately the organization’s support for SB 220. In addition, the AG created a program called CyberOhio and a CyberOhio advisory board, in which a member of the Greater Cleveland Partnership serves on, composed of industry experts and business leaders. The experienced panel provides guidance on state initiatives related to cybersecurity.

The GCP will continue to proactively engage our members and the legislature on this constantly changing threat to help foster a stronger business environment in the region and beyond.

Progressive Builds on Commitment to Greater Cleveland, Announces Major Expansion

It was recently announced Progressive Insurance, the nation’s fourth largest auto insurer and a leading seller of other insurance products, will be expanding its operations in Greater Cleveland. The expansion will bring 900 new jobs and retain nearly 10,000 more in Ohio.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), worked closely with Progressive and collaborated with economic development partners Team NEO, Jobs Ohio and the City of Highland Heights on the business expansion project. The GCP Business Development Team served as lead on the effort and engaged multiple GCP program staff in the process. This included both the GCP Government Advocacy program staff as well as direct support from Joe Roman, GCP President and CEO.

“This latest investment by Progressive demonstrates the company’s continued confidence in Greater Cleveland’s business environment,” stated Roman. “GCP is committed to Progressive’s long-term success and growth in our region. We look forward to building upon this opportunity and supporting the company for decades to come.”

“As we continue to grow, and in order to accommodate our increased business needs, we’re pleased to be adding jobs in Ohio,” said Kevin McGrath, Progressive’s Director of Real Estate Development. “We appreciate the work, support and leadership GCP and all the economic development partners provided in order to secure the job creation tax credit package. We’re thankful for GCP in helping us navigate through the process to obtain this significant expansion in Greater Cleveland.”

Progressive has called Greater Cleveland home for more than 80 years. The company’s continued success is of the utmost importance to GCP and all our partners. GCP will continue to support the expansion project activities and all of Progressive’s business needs.

GCP is committed to retaining, advancing the growth of, and creating new opportunities for all our local businesses to increase the economic wealth and vitality of Greater Cleveland.

If your business needs assistance on any matter, please call the GCP Business Development Team at 216.592.2208 or email us.

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The Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create attractive business conditions that create jobs, grow investment and improve the economic prosperity of the region.